Lord Andrew Phillips of Sudbury has died aged 84. 

The former Liberal Democrat politician, member of the House of Lords and president of The Sudbury Society passed away on Easter Sunday. 

Lord Phillips was a pioneering solicitor, a dedicated supporter of many charities and a much-loved legal expert and broadcaster, regularly appearing on Jimmy Young’s BBC Radio 2 show as the “Legal Eagle” for nearly 30 years.

The former politician also weighed into the debate over the future of the historic Belle Vue house in Sudbury. 

He asked Babergh District Council to save the house. 

He also entered the Brexit debate in 2019 saying "there can be no more reluctant Brexiteer than me". 

He also served as the chancellor of the University of Essex between 2003 and 2013. 

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Essex, Professor Anthony Forster, said: “The University of Essex community is deeply saddened to learn of the death of our fourth Chancellor, Lord Phillips. Lord Phillips made a significant contribution to the development of the University and served with distinction and enthusiasm, despite his many other commitments.

“He went out of his way to speak to staff and students. But perhaps most importantly, he acted as inspiration to the University of Essex community and championed so many of our values.

“It was a privilege to know and work with Lord Phillips. On behalf of everyone here at Essex, I would like to offer my condolences to his family.”

Lord Phillips presided over 11 graduations, congratulating and celebrating the successes of more than 20,000 graduates. The many highlights of his time as Chancellor included escorting by HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh around the Colchester Campus during Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s visit to mark the University’s 40th anniversary.